Waymo Ditches Zeekr Name for U.S.-Friendly “Ojai” Robotaxi
Waymo is officially retiring the Zeekr RT name—and with it, the direct association to its Chinese automaker partner—in favor of something more familiar to American riders: Ojai. Pronounced “oh-hi,” the new moniker pays homage to the serene California enclave known for its arts scene and wellness culture. The rebrand arrives just as the autonomous vehicle readies for commercial deployment in U.S. cities, signaling Waymo’s push to make robotaxis feel not just safe, but approachable.
Why “Ojai”? A Name Designed to Welcome Riders
According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the decision stemmed from consumer research showing most Americans don’t recognize the Zeekr brand. More than just a logo swap, the rebrand extends into the in-vehicle experience itself. Once riders step into the Ojai, they’ll be greeted with a cheerful, “Oh hi, [Name]!”—a small but deliberate touch meant to humanize the driverless journey. In a market still wary of autonomy, these nuances matter.
Strategic Distance from Chinese Branding
While Waymo hasn’t explicitly cited geopolitical concerns, the timing is telling. Amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese tech and automotive brands in the U.S., shedding the Zeekr name may help sidestep unnecessary skepticism. Geely Holding Group, Zeekr’s parent company, remains a critical engineering and manufacturing partner—but the Ojai will now wear a distinctly American identity, both in name and rider-facing design.
From Prototype to Production: How the Ojai Evolved
Waymo first unveiled its Zeekr-based robotaxi concept in 2022 at a high-profile Los Angeles event, showcasing a sleek, purpose-built vehicle with no steering wheel—a bold statement of full autonomy. But the version revealed at CES 2026, now called Ojai, includes a steering wheel. This shift reflects regulatory realities: current U.S. safety standards still require manual override capabilities, even in advanced autonomous fleets.
Hardware That Sees—and Hears—Everything
Beneath its smooth, futuristic exterior, the Ojai packs serious sensory firepower. It features 13 high-resolution cameras, four lidar units for 360-degree depth perception, six radar sensors for motion tracking in all weather, and an array of external microphones to detect sirens, horns, or even a pedestrian calling out. Tiny, almost invisible sensor wipers keep the suite clean—critical for consistent performance in rain or dust.
Years of Testing Across Real-World Cities
Since its prototype debut, the Ojai (then Zeekr RT) has logged thousands of miles in Waymo’s operational zones, including Phoenix and San Francisco. These cities offer diverse challenges: desert heat, dense urban traffic, unpredictable cyclists, and steep hills. The data gathered has shaped everything from braking behavior to how the vehicle communicates with passengers during unexpected stops.
Designed for Comfort, Not Just Code
Unlike retrofitted sedans used in early robotaxi trials, the Ojai was built from the ground up for shared, autonomous mobility. Sliding doors, panoramic glass, spacious rear seating, and ambient lighting create a lounge-like cabin. There’s no front seat—just a seamless interior optimized for rider comfort and ease of entry. Even the floor is flat, thanks to the SEA-M electric architecture developed by Zeekr specifically for mobility-as-a-service.
A Naming Strategy Rooted in Local Identity
Ojai isn’t just a random California town—it’s a symbol. Nestled in the Topatopa Mountains, it’s long been a haven for creatives, spiritual seekers, and tech dropouts alike. By naming its flagship robotaxi after this community, Waymo subtly aligns its brand with calm, innovation, and harmony—values that may ease rider anxiety about ceding control to AI.
What This Means for Waymo’s Expansion Plans
The Ojai’s rebranding coincides with Waymo’s aggressive 2026 roadmap. The company plans to scale its commercial robotaxi service beyond its current hubs, with Los Angeles and Austin as likely next stops. A vehicle that feels familiar—even friendly—could be key to winning over new users who’ve never ridden in a self-driving car. The “Oh hi” greeting isn’t just cute; it’s a psychological on-ramp to autonomy.
Partnership Endures, Even as Branding Shifts
Despite the name change, Zeekr’s role remains vital. The SEA-M platform underpinning the Ojai enables modular battery placement, over-the-air updates, and rapid serviceability—all essential for high-utilization fleets. Waymo handles autonomy software and operations; Zeekr handles manufacturing and vehicle integration. It’s a global collaboration disguised as a local product.
Riding the Wave of Mainstream Autonomy
Public acceptance of robotaxis has grown steadily, especially in cities where ride-hailing is already routine. But trust is still fragile. By rebranding the Zeekr RT as Ojai, Waymo isn’t just changing a name—it’s crafting a narrative. This vehicle isn’t an imported experiment; it’s a homegrown companion for the next era of urban transit.
The Road Ahead for the Ojai
As the Ojai prepares for its commercial debut, all eyes will be on how riders respond—not just to its driving, but to its personality. In a world where technology often feels cold or intrusive, Waymo is betting that warmth, familiarity, and a simple “Oh hi” might be the secret sauce to mass adoption. If it works, the Ojai could become more than a car—it could become the face of everyday autonomy in America.
